To honor the lives lost, AmeriCorps members serving Alaska will commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by joining in patriotic acts of volunteer service as part of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, commonly known as 9/11 Day.
On this day, citizens are asked to pay tribute to those we lost and the many who rose in service on that fateful day by rekindling the spirit of compassion and service that unified our nation.
“More than two decades ago on September 11, 2001, many lost their lives to the 9/11 attacks. We remember and honor the sacrifices made that day and the sacrifices that continue to be made by members of our armed forces, emergency responders, and their families by uniting through service and volunteerism throughout our communities,” said Katie Abbott, Executive Director of the Serve Alaska State Commission.
“This year, AmeriCorps Alaska will join the thousands of Americans participating in acts of service to rekindle the spirit of unity and service that swept our nation after that tragic day through several service projects organized by Serve Alaska’s subgrantees: Sitka School District, Alaska Public Defenders Agency, Alaska Afterschool Network, and RurAL CAP. We encourage Alaskans to join us and commemorate this important part of American history by giving back to our communities through acts of service.”
AmeriCorps members in Alaska in partnership with local organizations and tribal groups will commemorate 9/11 with various projects around the community. Some of the projects include:
- Sitka AmeriCorps members in partnership with the Sitka Sound Science Center and citizens of Sitka will be leading a marine debris cleanup on Kruzof Island in Sitka on September 11, 2023. This project will address the unsightly beach trash and potential hazards to marine life. The community is invited to attend, and media is encouraged.
- RurAL CAP Resilient Alaska Youth AmeriCorps constructed opioid overdose prevention kits on Monday, September 4th for Project Hope with the State of Alaska Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention.
- Alaska Public Defender Agency AmeriCorps members will execute projects in different parts of the state where members are serving, these are:
Anchorage members will be helping with the second day of the Special Olympics events wherever needed (scorekeeping, set up, take down, etc.). The event will take place on 9/10 from 7:30 am to 1 pm at 3200 Mountain View Dr. 12 volunteers are needed for this. Please no media. Contact: Koda Slingluff, 907-334-4456
Fairbanks members will be collecting cold-weather gear for those in need. The event will take place on 9/11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 5 volunteers are needed from the community. Please no media. Contact: Lindsey Downin, Ashley Johnson, or Ashanti Bennett for information.
Juneau members will be collecting seaweed for the Zac Gordon Youth Center Garden Bed. The seaweed will be used in the youth center’s garden beds to help prepare them for next year’s growing season. The event will take place on 9/12 on the beaches of Juneau. 2 volunteers are needed. Contact person Emily McLean, 907-465-3018.
The events of 9/11 and the heroism of our first responders inspired thousands of young people to get involved and ultimately, led to the inception of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, founded by the nonprofit 9/11 Day with the support of the 9/11 community, AmeriCorps, and bipartisan leaders in Congress.
Many voluntarily enlisted during wartime and knowingly risked their lives to protect our country, while others found their calling in national and civic service.
To learn more about 9/11 Day and ways to serve, visit: AmeriCorps.gov/911Day